A BLOGGER who claimed online that the murder of soldier Lee Rigby had been a hoax has been arrested on suspicion of harassment.

Tattoo artist Christopher Spivey, 51, from Rochford, was arrested after police raided his home and took away computer equipment in the early hours yesterday.

The conspiracy theorist was held in custody yesterday in Southend after being arrested on suspicion of harassment via social media.

Police arrested him at 2am at the request of Greater Manchester Police.

Fusilier Rigby, who originally came from Middleton, Manchester, was killed on May 22, 2013 at 2.20pm, 200 yards from the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.

In the past Mr Spivey has claimed in internet articles he has spent hours researching footage of Mr Rigby’s killing and the aftermath in an effort to prove the British establishment hoaxed the murder to foster hatred against Muslims.

Blogger: Chris Spivey

Fusilier: Lee Rigby

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A 51-year-old man from Rochford was arrested by Essex Police on suspicion of harassment in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30.

“He is at Southend police station helping officers with their enquires.

The arrest relates to an allegation of harassment via social media, which has been referred to Essex Police by Greater Manchester Police.”

Neither force would confirm nor deny suggestions the alleged harassment could be connected to Fusilier Rigby’s mother Lyn Rigby and step dad Ian Rigby. Both still live in Middleton.

However, followers of Mr Spivey’s blog were yesterday speculating this was the reason for his arrest and suggesting he had been preparing to make further posts about the murder.

Mr Spivey’s followers include former footballer and Grandstand TV presenter David Icke, these days better known as a high-profile conspiracy theorist. One follower, Johnny D, posted: “They might charge him over the Woolwich hoax.”

Another, Jefffree, added: “If the official Woolwich narrative was true, why would they need to bother a grandad, young mother and her baby at 2 o’clock in the morning?”